Australia: Maximum numbers of pilots (pilot capacity) in many RAAF squadrons have increased - this occurring in squadrons where maximum plane numbers are due to increase in 1/44 (these increases generally from 12 to 18 planes or 21 to 24 planes). As I now have about 90% of the RAAF operating as pilot training squadrons (for the moment), the increase in number of pilots translates (at this time) into more “slots” to be occupied by pilots training for various mission skills.

At this point in the campaign, the emphasis across all Allied air forces is pushing as many pilots as possible through the on-map training process before the start of general offensive operations. Approximately 80-85% of Allied air squadrons continue to operate as pilot training squadrons – the general “guideline” being that any Allied air squadron not required to be kept ready for immediate combat operations is employed as a training squadron (as long as the individual squadron is not actively used or needed for use in combat). The present situation can (and should) be considered a temporary luxury – overall capacity for pilot training across all Allied air forces is expected to decrease considerably from current levels once general offensive operations begin.

The start of a general offensive will require many air squadrons now training pilots to be quickly re-configured for use in front-line operations. A typical re-configuration would include removal of partially trained pilots from the squadron’s roster and transferring fully trained pilots into the squadron from the Reserve pool – possibly combined with an upgrade of the squadron’s current aircraft to a first-line plane type where necessary. Time needed to convert an individual air squadron from pilot training to front-line combat operations is estimated as 7-10 days in most cases. Nearly all the Allied air units designated for conversion from training to front-line combat status are already located near the front line in forward theatre areas (South & Southwest Pacific, Hawaii, mainland India) – movement of these squadrons into front-line air bases for use in active combat from their current locations generally a simple matter of flying them in once a squadron’s conversion process is complete.

The doctrine described above has been in effect since mid-1942 and applied across virtually all Allied nationalities, all squadron types and all missions. The intent of this particular doctrine for air units is facilitating rapid transformation from the current mode of static defensive operations to a general Allied offensive - a similar set of doctrines for Allied ground and naval forces is also in place.

China: Sigint report entries are showing some movement of Japanese LCU from Chungking mainly southward – this development is not unexpected. At this point it cannot be determined whether Pillager is moving these LCU toward Burma or to port bases in southern China (i.e. Hong Kong, Canton) for eventual sea transport – some combination of both of these is considered likely. Reports in Sigint occur almost daily and showing various Jap ground units previously involved in the capture of Chungking. It’s too early to identify any possible trends or direction of this movement from these reports.

Burma: Detected status of Jap base in Rangoon from British aerial recon – no Japanese ships anchored in port, no Jap TF in harbor (-2 from last report), 74 aircraft (all fighters), 9 Jap LCU’s, light industry 2(39). Pillager transferred some planes out of Rangoon this game turn.

December 41 summary from Johnjohn. I have had to restart due to an unanticipated computer crash after reaching June 44.

CHINA--Japan has pushed inward to established front line of defense. Thus far the defensive line is holding, with all defenders in at least 2X defensive squares, many in 3 and 4 times defense bonus. No attempt has been made to hold anything but the cities that make the line and all cities behind those lines. Troops are abandoning other communities and bases to the enemy as the Chinese army repositions to defensible lines. The one exception is Wenchow which has repeatedly repulsed three Japanese Divisions, causing over 15K in causalties to the loss of less than 700 troops for China. They are dug in (level 2) and still digging.

The AVG has one squadron in Rangoon and two in China, shooting down forty enemies in China alone. The ground force in Burma has been successfully airlifted from Lashio to Kumming. Lashio's Engr unit is marching deeper into China as well.

All LCUs not engaged in combat or operations, are set to train. For China, this means many units will have the opportunity to improve in readiness. The front line units, however, are on their own.

BURMA--The grand strategy here is to delay from Rangoon back to India, but to that with the Burma Inf Div and the two Brigades of the 17th Inf Div. All other units, esp ENGR types and small Inf outfits have moved to Swebo and are marching to India. Burma is going down without much of a fight. Everything will be pulled out once the enemy invades.

DEI--Enemy is just now reaching outskirts of DEI. Three enemy KB carriers have arrived and were pummeled by the Dutch Navy. All three were shot up some, but not enough to disrupt air ops. The Dutch Navy paid the price, only two DDs survived. BB Hiei was shot up too. Virtually all cargo shipping loaded up with fuel and headed out, to Darwin, Perth, and Colombo.

PI--The Northern Luzon areas are in the hands of the enemy, but initial orders to fortify has slowed down the advance. Iba, Clark, Bataan, and Manila are holding. Everything else on Luzon is gone. Mindanao is also under assault, but the central and northern bases are holding--for now. Jolo is gone and the enemy is using Jolo to hit further south.

All fighter and bomber aircraft have been expended and squadrons withdrawn. All shipping ordered out day 1. Unfortunately the AS hit mines and sank off Bataan.

MALAY--The assault here has bogged down north of Kuala Lampur. Digging in is paying off in delays. POW and Repulse both damaged and on the way to Capetown--day 1 air attack. The Buffaloes are really having a feast--shooting up the second line planes sent in to attack. Amazing. All cargo vessels ordered out after picking up fuel from DEI. Most now on the way to Capetown to establish the East Coast to Capetown convoy system.

Decision made to leave the two Aussie Brigades to help with delays. 8th Aussie Division will take much longer to rebuild.

INDIA--Training and consolidation of units the order of the day. Numerous supplies and fuel has been shipped in via Colombo. All cargo ships ordered out, the long legged ones going to Cape town and the shorter legged ones to Aden. The British 18th Div was formed at Madras and sent to Calcutta. The one 17th Inf Div Bde in India is at Imphal, waiting for the two in Burma to arrive.

CENPAC--Wake fell 17 Dec. VMF-211 withdrew just before the fall (and the arrival of the KB on way back to Japan.) Midway was just hit by a 2CVL raid, which sank two of the four defending DDs. The trailing tankers paid the price when DBs from Midway hit them.

NORPAC--Base building and stockpiling at Dutch Harbor and Kodiak.

SOPAC/SWPAC/AUSSIE--All NZ forces concentrated into parent units. Now training. Same for Aussie Inf Div, 3rd, 4th, 5th, and several smaller units now repositioning and training. ENGR units repositioned to facilitate squadron training. Armor units all sent to Townsville for repositioning. Troops moving into the NE area bases with ENGRs to follow.

All LCUs at Rabaul airlifted to PM. All sep company units recalled to PM. They are half way there. It is not enough, but it does build up the PM Bde. No troops are avaliable for Luganville, Efate, Tanna, or Noumea (Free French LCU already there.) 40th Infantry planned deployment to Suva. 27th and or 23rd to Noumea, with two Rgmts of 2nd USMC Div going to Pago, Pago. Several Defense BNs have been deployed to Pago, Pago, Canton Island, Christmas Island and Palmyra. Engrs also deployed to all just mentioned. All LCUs are digging in, deeply.

Enterprise and Lexington avoided KB and made port in San Diego. Lex took two torpedos off San Clemente after three unsuccessful ASW attacks on sub. Rats. She is out for three to four months including upgrade. Sara and Ent on way to Midway to drop off VMF-221 and 18 fighters to join the 18 SBDs already there.

PEARL HARBOR--I have read of worse attacks, but this was very good for the enemy. WeeVe, Okla, Ari, and Nev all sunk. Raliegh and Honolulu also sunk. Callie, Penna, Mary and Tenn all took 50+ major flotation damage. All out for two years, minimum, assuming they make it to the West Coast.

Four cruisers were damaged, two for one month, two for four months. Four DDs were sunk. Two AVs damaged for one month. Lots of other small fry damaged, but most repaired and back in service. Fuel and supplies building up. Troops sent from SF filling out the divisions. Having to wait for PPs though.

WC/EC--41st Division training at Fort Lewis. 27th Training at March AAF Base. 40th Training at Los Angeles. 8th USMC Rgmt and 2nd USMC Rgmt training at Pendelton. Supply moving to Dutch Harbor, Kodiak, all Alaska and Canada coastal bases. All aircraft squadrons in training mode but for those on search or ASW duty, with two fighter squadrons SF, LA, and SD on cap. All 10th AAF aircraft assigned training to EC waiting for shipment to India via Capetown. (Perth if India not viable.) Mojave and Las Vegas being developed as AAF training bases.

Aussie reinforcements via Aden going to India. Strategy is to hold India. Warspite being sent to Eastern Fleet.

Convoy system being established 1--EC to Capetown 2--Cape to Colombo or Perth 3.--SF to PH 4. WC to Aussie East Coast.

Am paying more attention to type of ships going to small ports. Don't want equipment coming back that can't offload because the transport is too big for the port.

Its a beginning. Ent and Sara basing at PH after delivery of planes to Midway. Houston, Boise, Marblehead and DDs forming nucleus of SAG (surface action group) based at Pago,Pago. Minneapolis and Louisville (CAs) will join them with their escorts--currently based at Canton Island. Excepting Mablehead, all will eventually join the carriers as escorts. For now they are the SOPAC deterent force. Allies will be able to search all of the SOPAC from Suva to Palmyra, PP to Christmas and Canton.

Summary--PH attack very successful for enemy. Immediate response, nothing servicable. LCU reinforcement to build out 24th and 25th Div. Reinforcements beefing up Army and AAF. All bomber and fighter groups not on assignment are in training. Exp levels poor. Same for US squadrons.

China is holding a line from Paotow (both mountain hexes) to Yenan, Tsiatoa, Loyang, Nanyang, Ichang, Changsha, Nanchang, Kashien, (Wenchow isolated), Kukong, Wuchow, Nanning (currently under attack) (Pakhoi--isolated) to Burma. Nanning and Wuchow are expected to fall. Line is stiffer behind those cities.

Grand design is to hold China, India, Aussie, and SOPAC. I am concerned about SOPAC. With Lex out of action, I am not going to risk the carriers. Yorktown is staying put and Ent and Sara will run at first sign of trouble. I am trying to hold at PM, but that is doubtful too. There are not enough PPs to put in Aussie Div at PM.

I'll reserve comments and suggestions to the "small stuff", things I did early in my game or would have done early in my game if Pillager and I were starting over again - most of the latter being actions I eventually did implement though I could have done them in 12/41 had I thought of it.

quote:

The AVG has one squadron in Rangoon and two in China, shooting down forty enemies in China alone. The ground force in Burma has been successfully airlifted from Lashio to Kumming. Lashio's Engr unit is marching deeper into China as well.

The AVG may eventually be more useful to you in India rather than China. Several reasons... First, the Chinese (in the long run) do not have enough supply to operate its own air force let alone the AVG while at the same time supporting a land war. Secondly, the AVG squadrons also represent a pool that includes most of the best available USAAF pilots in 12/41 and early 1942. The fighter planes (H81-A3's) are also the best available inventory in India and China (combined) at this stage of the campaign. The 3 AVG squadrons are the elite of the Allied air forces in both India and China at this point.

Another factor to account for with the AVG - it has a 7/01/42 withdrawal date and does not return to the game. Between now and then, employ the AVG in whatever manner you find suitable. Immediately before or on the 7/42 withdrawal date, remove all pilots and planes from the AVG squadrons before you withdraw them. This action is not entirely ahistorical - many of the AVG pilots (Pappy Boyington among others) went on to fly combat with regular USAAF squadrons after their time with the AVG. Transfer all AVG pilots from the squadrons to the Reserve pilot pool, at that point the pilots join the regular USAAF and become available for transfer to any desired USAAF air unit or left in the pool until needed. At the withdrawal date, "upgrade" planes in the AVG squadrons from H81-A3 to any obsolete US fighter type. The H81-A3 planes will go to the Chinese plane replacement pool and can eventually be used for upgrading Chinese fighter squadrons - the H81-A3 is equal or better than any fighter plane type available to the Chinese (even in the later game).

At some point, consider getting the AVG out of China (it's okay there for now). I pulled it back into Calcutta where it formed the main part of the early Allied fighter CAP force there.

quote:

All LCUs not engaged in combat or operations, are set to train. For China, this means many units will have the opportunity to improve in readiness. The front line units, however, are on their own.

Agree. The only thing I'd add here is leave any LCU with engineer elements in combat mode to build fortifications wherever they are (no other construction or repair activities). In the DEI, move as many LCU with engineers as possible to Palembang, Soerabaja, Balikpapan, Tarakan in order to perform demolition of oil production facilities. Transfer of these LCU does not require the use of transport ships, it can be done by air using Dutch transport planes and patrol squadrons. It's also not necessary to transfer complete Dutch engineer LCU's, only the engineer squads in these LCU are of interest, and the engineer squads from these LCU will transfer by air.

While diverting Dutch patrol air squadrons to this purpose eliminates their use for naval search - except for the few cases you absolutely need to know where Japanese ships are in the DEI, it likely wouldn't matter whether you knew or not. They're coming, period.

A point not mentioned in your post... Supply. This applies particulaly to Luzon, Java, Sumatra and Malaya. At this point, you have no doubt selected the bases where Allied ground forces in each of these areas will make their last stand. In my campaign they were Bataan (Luzon), Soerabaja (Java), Palembang (Sumatra), and Singapore. What I immediately did in these four bases was set Required Supply Values (the little arrow to the right of Supplies Required) in the Base display to maximum. What this does is draw all supply into these bases from all other bases still under Allied control that can trace a land route to the base pulling supply. The eventual end result of this action is all available supply points are pulled into bases where you are making a stand and supply in the other bases is now zero. Using the example of Luzon, available supply was drawn into Bataan (where it was needed) from other locations on Luzon and made available to US and Philippine ground forces that eventually dug in there. Again... this is not entirely ahistorical as the US command in Luzon actually did this (and later wished they done more of it).

This action with supply accomplishes two purposes. It provides as much available supply as possible to defending Allied ground forces. The second result of this action can loosely be described as AE's equivalent of "Scorched Earth" tactics. Reducing supply in other bases to zero ahead of advancing Japanese ground forces places either the AI or your human Japanese opponent in a position where he (or it) is required to transport in supply points for front-line Japanese forces from elsewhere in order for said Japanese forces to either attack effectively or continue their advance. Doesn't stop the inevitable, just makes the process for the Japanese a bit slower and more difficult. The more time your Japanese opponent wastes due to delays, the less he (or it) gets to conquer and the slower that gets done.

quote:

Convoy system being established 1--EC to Capetown 2--Cape to Colombo or Perth 3.--SF to PH 4. WC to Aussie East Coast.

On #4 above, consider WC to New Zealand (Auckland) instead of Australia. This uses the WC mainly as the departure point for build up in Central and South Pacific. My build up of Australia (SW Pacific) was done entirely through the EC via Capetown. Also simplifies the process of sorting out what is going where before it leaves the mainland US.

quote:

Aussie reinforcements via Aden going to India.

Consider whether these units could be more valuable in Australia rather than India. In my case, I did send 6th Australian Division to Colombo to cover its defence (it's still there for now), all other Australian LCU arriving in Aden went to Australia. 6 Australian Division will eventually go to Australia as well for front-line use in SW Pacific theatre once I determine it's no longer required in Colombo.

Air HQ's... I didn't do this at first, but they are relevent to your pilot training process. Get the best available training commanders into your rear-area air HQ's and locate air squadrons engaged in pilot training within command radius of these HQ. This is especially true for mainland US restricted commands where the action can be employed on the largest scale. Elsewhere (Australia, India, etc), performing this step with air HQ will have to take into consideration possible front-line requirements but can also be done in these locations if front-line requirements do not restrict implementing it.

Overall it looks good (for 12/41 anyway). Thus I was sticking to the "small stuff".

Yellow Sea: US patrol sub intercepts Jap transport convoy off western coast of Korea. SS Saury also spots a Jap transport TF – convoy contains 3 ships including one xAKL, one CM, no indication as to whether the torpedoed Japanese ship is part of this TF or sailing independently. Movement of this Jap TF was not reported. AAR’s follow.

North Pacific: Sigint entry for 7/09 reports intercepted Jap radio transmissions from Paramushiro-jima. Detected status of Paramushiro-jima shows no visible Japanese forces or activity, airfield size 4(4), port size 1(1) – this location appears developed as an air base covering the outer (northern) area of the Kurile Islands.

Central Pacific: US patrol sub intercepts Japanese transport TF southwest of the Marshalls in a daylight action. The Jap TF remains visible on the game map – includes 8 ships and moving on a NW heading. Appears the Jap TF is likely returning from a destination in the Gilbert Islands area (probably Tabiteuea). AAR follows.

Thanks for the help with AVG. My plan is to do just what you suggested, although I may use Imphal rather than Calcutta. Getting the LCU out was part of the abandon Burma strategy. I plan to fly it to Ledo when the link is set up. The Lashio ENGR unit is headed for the base south of Kumming to develop it or help the defense dig in. About digging in, all ENGR units in China and elsewhere not engaged in air ops, those with actual engineers instead of aviation support, are helping LCUs dig in. I started that Dec 8 and many are level 2 forts already. The plan, especially in SOPAC, is dig in to max forts if possible. The Wenchow defense force is fort level 2, one reason the enemy took such huge losses trying to take the place.

I did not know about the supply--wish I had known about that sooner. Will implement Jan 1. Same for Air HQs. Will have to move some Generals around. On PPs, I am hording them now. Changed out a few squadron commanders Dec 8 to improve training. Now holding the PPs. I have several big land units to reassign HQ on. Going to take several thousand PPs to do.

As for India over Aussie, I will wait to see what the AI wants to do. If they come for India, the Aussies stay. If they stay in Burma, then I may transfer them to Aussie later in 42. The 41st Inf will deploy to Brisbane for further use. The 32nd also will end up there. I found that this worked well the first time around. Of course, by then the enemy was down four carriers. Not so this time. (And I am not going looking for them either). John

US patrol sub operating off eastern coast of Sakhalin reports contact with Japanese transport TF near Toyohara (hex location 125, 47). Jap TF remains visible on game map – contains 9 ships (including ASW escort) and is moving northward. Probable destination of the Jap TF is Shikuka. No reported combat between the US sub and the Jap contact.

Formosa: US patrol sub in action with Japanese surface ASW in northern exit of sea passage between Formosa and mainland China. AAR follows.

Japanese Home Islands: Heavy volume of intercepted radio transmissions from one or multiple unidentified Jap TF(s) reported in a Sigint entry for 7/11. Location of this contact is at hex location 108, 66 northwest of Torishima. No available information as to number of Jap TF(s), composition or movement. One US patrol sub is operating in the immediate vicinity of the contact location.

Central Pacific: Sigint entries for 7/11 report intercepted Jap radio transmissions from multiple locations including Majuro, Tarawa, Canton Is and Baker Is. Unidentified Japanese planes detected on Baker and Canton islands, one or more unidentified Jap LCU(s) also detected at Baker Is. Detected status of Tarawa is showing evidence of Japanese base construction activity - port size 3(1), airfield size 3(2). No other visible Japanese forces or activity observed at these four locations.

China: Japanese ground attack on Chinese forces holding roadblock position in mountains of southern China. This position blocks the main land movement route between China and northern Burma. A 7/11 Sigint entry reports Jap 15th Infantry Division is now at Tsuyung – this unit likely moving southward to reinforce Japanese forces engaged in the action below. 15 Division was previously involved in the capture of Chungking. AAR follows.

US patrol subs reporting contacts with Japanese ASW air patrols in many locations. Pillager appears to have a large part of the Jap Army LBA bomber force employed on ASW missions. The principal Japanese plane type reported in these contacts is Ki-49 Helens, though other Jap plane types also observed.

To date in this campaign, seven Allied submarines (4 Dutch, 3 US) have been credited as sunk by Japanese ASW forces, all seven of these from ASW air attacks. Most of the Allied submarine sinkings from Japanese ASW attack have occurred in the Andaman Sea area. So far, no Allied subs have been sunk in action against Japanese surface ASW forces.

The effect of Japanese ASW against Allied subs in this campaign has mainly appeared in two ways – (1) Jap surface ASW escorts attached to transport TF’s often divert Allied subs away from targeting Jap transport ships in attacks on transport TF’s; and (2) attacks by Japanese ASW on US subs often result in significant damage to the subs, this damage in many cases causing the sub to abort its patrol and return to base for repair. Damage to Allied subs from Japanese ASW attack has affected 10-15% of all Allied sub patrols across all theatres – though this proportion is considerably higher for Allied sub patrols in the East China Sea and Andaman Sea areas compared to elsewhere. It is a significant “cost of doing business” but not a major disruption of the Allied submarine campaign.

Japanese Home Islands: US sub patrol in contact with Japanese transport TF near Sakhalin, sub was engaged by the TF’s ASW escorts. AAR follows.

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------- ASW attack near Toyohara at 126,46 (E of Toyohara)

Sigint entry for 7/12 reports intercepted Jap radio transmissions from Tabiteuea. Detected status of Tabiteuea shows unidentified Japanese planes based there, also ship(s) in port, port size 3(1), airfield size 4(3). No other visible Japanese forces or activity observed at Tabiteuea.

South Pacific: Pillager is transferring Jap flak LCU to forward bases in the Solomons. A Sigint entry for 7/12 reports 38 Field AA Machine Cannon Co is now located at Lunga, this LCU transferred here from Truk. Other recent Sigint reports are indicating similar movements.

John's January 42 Update--From the crashed computer, the restart went well as did most of January. Unlike the lost game (computer crash), I did several things differently. First, every base that can is digging in. Second, I am not trying to defend the lost causes too much. Malay has seen a lot of delays on the part of the enemy, as has the PI, and hopefully, as will the DEI. Here is what happened in January.

CHINA--not much difference. Wenchow is a killing zone again, another 10,000 lost to the enemy in January to less than 700 for the allies. Nanning fell. That's it. Otherwise the line is holding and the training is beginning to have effect.

BURMA--the enemy grabbed Pegu before the Rangoon force could evacuate. They are now running up the road. The Burma division is bringing up the rear, but it looks like 98% of the Burma defense force will get out intact.

MALAY--Singapore is reached, but thousands are dying on the part of the enemy. The rest is a lost cause. So is Singapore, but that will take awhile yet.

PI--Allies retreated all to Clark and Bataan. The enemy cannot bust through Clark and is losing thousands trying. Digging in. So far it is holding them up. The rest of the PI is down the tubes. All important ships, etc., got out in the first few days. All the squadrons left in December.

DEI--Japan has grabbed Borneo. Attacks on Indonesia have concentrated on the eastern islands. All the engr units are at Sorobaja or Palembang. Softening up still happening. Was able to get 200K of fuel out before it became too dangerous. Have also gotten all the attack planes (TBs and DBs) out. Some to India the others to Darwin.

AUSSIE--No changes other than the divisions, 1 thru 5 are formed. Planes from ABDA are training. They are useless, but the pilots can be saved before they depart. Divisions 6 and 7 are at Colombo and Calcultta respectively. The 18th UK Division is at Calcutta too. Enemy subs are all over the east coast. I have very little ASW capability.

SOPAC--Pago Pago significantly reinforced with all available elements of 2 USMC Div. (Both Rgmts and Engr). Eventually the Division will form here. PP is building out port, AF, and forts. Canton Island forces repulsed an enemy SAG attack based on three cruisers with three cruisers and escorts of their own. Pensacola is headed to SF for repairs, but Canton held. The new Surface Action Group of 5 cruisers and 6 dds intercepted an invasion force headed to Baker Island and wiped it out in total--another 6,000 lost to the enemy. Noumea invaded by small occupation force that immediately lost its supplies when Noumea's SAG--one AM--showed up. The stranded unit has not been able to take the base. I am rushing in troops from SWPAC in Aussie and the 2 USMC Para Bn from PP to make the allied presence stronger than that of the enemy. 3 CLs and several escorts are enroute to Noumea to augment the SAG. The real goal is to hold on until the 23rd US Inf Div (Americal) arrives from the West Coast. That is three weeks away. Meanwhile I am sending my two carrier force into the area to help resist the enemy. With both parts of the KB working over the PI et al at present, I think this may work. Yorktown is headed to PP to be available if needed. If the KB disappears, so will I. I am no match for that.

SWPAC--NG is gone except for PM which is under attack. Right now I have more AV than the enemy present, but I need more. The problem, there is no more. So we will see. The march down the Solomons is beginning. Tulagi fell yesterday.

INDIA--Continuing to hold out and build up. The Burma Force will hold near Imphal. Two divisions will be in Imphal. One AVG sqd is at Chittagong with the land support unit. One is at Chungking and the other at Kwelien. All are destined for India.

KEWI--Auckland is receiving 190K supply with fuel following. Going to use Auckland as major support base.

Summary: It is getting hairy in the SOPAC area. I cannot stand up to a strong enemy push. So far it has not been a strong push.

1. I am doing much better controlling the use of planes. Hornet will have 36 SBDs waiting for her when she arrives. 2. The badly damaged BBs are jammed into a supply convoy and on the way back to the coast. 3. Midway has been raided twice. So far just hit and run carrier raids. 4. The carrier move is temporary--to buy enough time to get the 23rd to Noumea. There is a good chance this will not work. If not, the 23rd will invest Suva or PP.

I am severly limited by the lack of ships, troops, and planes. Lexington is due for another four months in the body shop. The cruisers damaged at PH are starting to reappear and the DDs are all back. All in all, I am having to pick where to fight and let the rest go.

Singapore is reached, but thousands are dying on the part of the enemy. The rest is a lost cause. So is Singapore, but that will take awhile yet.

The longer it takes, the better. Make the Japanese waste supply, casualties and (most importantly) time.

quote:

Planes from ABDA are training. They are useless, but the pilots can be saved before they depart.

With the exception of emergency situations where these squadrons are absolutely needed in the front line (also cases where the squadron is located becomes the front line), most if not all air squadrons with a withdrawal date should be employed as a training squadron right up to their withdrawal date. When looking at this during early '42 with US air squadrons in the mainland US, I saw little point in shipping out air squadrons with a withdrawal date from the mainland US unless it was absolutely needed in a front-line theatre and the air squadron would remain in the game long enough for it to serve its purpose once it reached a forward theatre. Whenever possible, preference for transferring US air squadrons from the mainland US should go to squadrons with no withdrawal date or with the latest possible withdrawal date (1944-45). There will be exceptions and I did have some. 1942 and early 1943 is "prime time" for Allied pilot training - many if not most of your air squadrons will have little else to do (at least as far as doing any missions with useful results).

No Penalty for Early Withdrawal: I also encountered a number of instances where withdrawing an air squadron 2-3 days ahead of its scheduled withdrawal date provides a small PP bonus (generally 20 PP or so) when the withdrawal is done. I can't recall specifically which air squadrons qualified for this PP bonus on withdrawal or how they qualified for the PP bonus. This seems to occur with only a small number of air squadrons and most if not all of these are US air units. Worth looking into...

Also... when withdrawing an air squadron, clean it out. All the pilots to the reserve pool. If the withdrawing squadron has a good commander, swap in a bad commander - the squadron commander you save now may later be worth the PP cost of "purchasing" him out of the withdrawing air unit. Don't forget the planes. If you're withdrawing a bomber squadrons with B-17's, swap the B-17's out with some older, less useful type first if suitable older plane types are in the replacement pool and available in the needed quantity. P-40's (of any variant) are more useful at this stage in US fighter squadrons than P-26 or P-36 planes. Send the junk to Europe. Ike may not appreciate it but he's not in AE anyway to make a protest.

quote:

Lexington is due for another four months in the body shop.

Not necessarily a bad place for it. While in repair (or the ships otherwise inactive), carrier air squadrons can also be training more pilots. Some rotation of pilots back and forth is likely necessary, but the USN carrier force needs trained replacement pilots as well.

** Addition of VP values for sinkings of Japanese transport and auxiliary ships are being made to describe approximate size and cargo capacity for the individual ship in question. Not to count VP as to provide a basic measure of how much Japanese sea transport capacity (tonnage) is being taken out by Allied action - larger ships with more cargo capacity having higher VP values.

Japanese Home Islands: US patrol sub engaged by Jap surface ASW off Sakhalin. AAR follows.

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------- ASW attack near Shikuka at 126,45 (E of Torohara)

Central Pacific: Japanese floatplane reported over Palmyra base hex. Transport convoy WP-69 (8 ships) is now at Palmyra and unloading cargo (1 USN Seabee Bn and 14K supply). Surface ASW escort from convoy WP-69 is patrolling the base hex. No other Allied shipping or naval forces operating in the immediate area around Palmyra.

Sigint entry for 7/15 reports Jap 41 Air Defense AA Rgt is now located at Truk, this LCU transferred to the Pacific from the Kwantung Army (Manchuria). 41 AA Bn was previously reported at Port Arthur on 6/03/43.

South Pacific: Jap floatplane (probably from unidentified Jap submarine now detected E of Wallis Is) is still reported flying over Savaii. The Jap sub and its floatplane are likely being employed on a recon mission – as Pillager isn’t seeing anything of significance, this Jap recon mission might indulge or reinforce an illusion of Allied inactivity.

Allied activity in the Samoa area is mainly garrison and base construction, Pago Pago airfield is expanded and fully operational as a transit base for USAAF 4E bombers moving between Hawaii and the South Pacific area. Samoa is being developed as a possible base of operations for Allied offensive movements toward the southern flank of Japanese perimeter facing the Central Pacific (Ellice islands and the southern Gilberts). This action may or may not be an option I will take, but the option is available.

Convoy WP-67 (28 ships) arrived this game turn in Auckland from the mainland US. Most ships arriving in this convoy are amphibious transports and various auxiliaries – these ships including one CLAA (converted Canadian AMC), one AD, 2 AR, 4 APA, 13 AKA, one LSI, one APD. Amphibious transports and auxiliaries arriving in WP-67 will remain in the South Pacific theatre on reserve for future operations. Cargo arriving aboard convoy WP-67 includes HQ US 5th Fleet, 117K supply and 26K fuel. Current plans have the two USN carrier fleet HQ split between the Central and South/SW Pacific theatre areas – US 3rd Fleet HQ to be located in the Central Pacific after its scheduled arrival in 12/43.

Sigint entry for 7/15 reports 80 JAAF AF Bn now located in Lunga – this LCU was also transferred by Pillager from Noumea back to Lunga.

Australia: Jap floatplane reported flying over a small PT-boat task force arriving in Brisbane. This scenario is likely similar to that described earlier at Savaii – Pillager is dispatching Jap sub patrols on recon to locate Allied coastal shipping along the east coast of Australia. Again he is seeing nothing of siginficant intelligence value as there is virtually no Allied transport shipping movement along the eastern coast of Australia. Land transportation routes in eastern Australia have proved more than adequate for moving “stuff” in this region making sea transport along the eastern coast almost completely unnecessary.

A major objective in execution of my Allied activities is allowing Pillager to see little or nothing up to the last possible moment, particularly activity in forward theatre areas. Design of Allied plans and movements in these regions are intended so that any offensive actions and preparations for them occur with little or no advance warning as to the point(s) of attack or to their timing.

China: Japanese ground attack on Chinese position in mountains of southern China continues. Two unidentified Jap LCU detected and visible on the game map in the adjacent hex N of the Chinese position – these Jap units probable reinforcements for this engagement. This game turn’s AAR follows.

A number of Sigint report entries have appeared indicating Pillager's movement of various Jap LCU from Chungking. Sigint entries are identifying specific Jap ground units in transit from Chungking plus some indication of where they may be going. Trends in the Sigint reports are showing these Japanese units are moving in one of two directions – some moving southward toward Burma (the Chinese blocking position in the AAR above obstructing this movement) and others moving generally eastward toward various coastal ports in China (the latter Jap units possibly bound for the Pacific theatres). Sigint reports of these LCU are being closely monitored, though at this time it's too early to determine exactly what Japanese LCU transfers from China will end up where.

Sigint entries for 7/16 report intercepted Jap radio signals from Baker Is and Majuro. Detected status of Baker Is shows unidentified Jap aircraft based there – otherwise no visible Japanese forces or activity at either location.

Intercepted radio signals from one or more unidentified Jap TF(s) reported in another 7/16 Sigint entry. Reported location of the Jap TF(s) is hex location 112, 157 (adjacent hex NE of Noumea) – no information available as to number of Jap TF, composition or movement heading. Estimate from this report is the Jap TF(s) is/are likely entering or departing Noumea. This contact also reported in a 7/16 Coastwatcher report entry (below).

Australia: Australian mine sweepers in action with Japanese sub off eastern coast. The Jap submarine is probably the same sub operating the floatplane reported by the PT-boat TF on 7/16 near Brisbane. Plans are underway to begin increasing Allied surface ASW patrols off the Australian east coast – more to engage Japanese targets of opportunity rather than due to security concerns. AAR’s follow.

China: Sigint entry for 7/16 identified one of the two detected Japanese LCU moving southward to reinforce the battle in the mountains near Paoshan as 32nd Infantry Division. 32 Division was previously at Chungking – its current location in southern China at hex 67, 45 (adjacent hex to the mountain battle and just S of Tsuyung).

RAF bombers hit the airfield at Pegu in a small night raid. This raid was launched as a “recon in force” in response to unidentified Japanese planes detected in Pegu on 7/17. No reported airfield damage at Pegu, no British or Japanese planes reported destroyed. Combat Event report entries and AAR follows.

China: Japanese ground attack eliminates Chinese blocking position in the southern mountains covering the road from Kunming southward into northern Burma. This action destroyed the last significant Chinese ground force inside China. Chinese forces still in the game include a weak force defending the far western area of China and the “free” Chinese ground and air forces now in India. The Chinese blocking position eliminated in this AAR is probably the final possible Allied action inside China that can effectively block Pillager from transferring Japanese LCU from China into Burma via land movement. AAR follows.

Defeated Allied Units Retreating! (All Chinese LCU below are now remnants and will be attempting an overland march to Ledo through northern Burma. It is likely at least some of these LCU will “waste away” in the jungle before reaching India.)

Sigint report entries for 7/18 identified two new Japanese divisional LCU that Pillager has formed from combining their component sub-units - 65th Infantry Division located at Lanchow (China) and 1st Tank Division at Victoria Point. Formation of 1 Tank Division somewhere in Southeast Asia was not unexpected as many (but not all) of the individual LCU that had been its original sub-units were known to have transferred through Singapore into Southeast Asia.

East China Sea: US submarine Rasher on patrol west of Kyushu attacked and hit in attack by Ki-48 Lily air patrol. Reported damage levels to SS Rasher is system 43, float 11, engine 6 – the sub returning to base for repair at 17 kts.

Central Pacific: Japanese transport TF moving north from Truk intercepted a second time southeast of the Marianas by another US patrol sub – the Jap TF attacked in this AAR is the same one attacked by SS Rasher last game turn. AAR follows.

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Sub attack near Saipan at 112,98 (SE of Saipan)

Sigint entry for 7/18 reports intercepted Jap radio transmissions from Truk. Detected status of Truk shows unidentified Japanese aircraft based there and ship(s) in port (both as expected), airfield size 5(2), port size 7(4). No other visible Japanese forces or activity observed at Truk. Nothing out of the ordinary.

South Pacific: US submarine enters Noumea base hex. Detected status of Noumea base shows port size 5(4), airfield size 2(5), no visible signs of Japanese LCU or air units. Currently available intelligence data has one Jap LCU (13 JNAF AF Unit) located in Noumea – this LCU reported there on 12/01/42, information placing this unit in Noumea is possibly obsolete. Based on a variety of intelligence data, my current estimate (subject to change with additional information) has it likely that Pillager is arranging this sector of the Japanese outer perimeter such that Noumea is outside the main Japanese line of defense - this main line appears to be building through Lunga/Tulagi, Ndeni and Luganville. This development does not suggest Pillager has abandoned Noumea. What this could indicate is Pillager is not designating Noumea as a major Japanese stronghold. Pillager may be sending occasional Jap transport ships to Noumea to “harvest” the stockpile of available resource points produced in Noumea – a possible explanation for the unidentified Japanese ships detected near Noumea on 7/17. Noumea could be part of a Japanese-controlled buffer zone in front of the main Japanese outer perimeter line designed to absorb initial attacks of an Allied offensive in this area of the South Pacific.

Australia: Transport convoy EX-37 (37 ships total) arrives in Australia from the Eastern US via Capetown. Cargo aboard the convoy includes one LCU (151 USA Base Force), seven USAAF bomber squadrons (4 with B-24’s, 3 with B-25’s), 67K supply and 19K fuel. One LSI and 16 small-to-medium xAP ships included in EX-37 are being detached from the convoy in Australia – the ships will remain in Australia on reserve for future operations in the SW Pacific/South Pacific theatres.

Central Pacific: Japanese floatplane still reported flying over Palmyra. Parts of transport convoy WP-69 continue unloading cargo in Palmyra. Ships in WP-69 that could not immediately dock at Palmyra were moved this game turn to Christmas Is where they will unload their remaining cargo. Current port size at Palmyra is not adequate to handle all ships in the convoy at once. The remaining time required to fully unload all ships of WP-69 presents Pillager with a possible opportunity for a Japanese surface naval or carrier force to reach Palmyra and attack the convoy. 1 USN Seabee Bn (the primary cargo aboard WP-69) is now fully disembarked at Palmyra along with some of the convoy’s supply cargo – the remaining cargo (all supply) can easily be unloaded anywhere in the Line Islands, no urgent need exists to drop everything off at Palmyra.

Sigint entries for 7/19 report heavy volumes of intercepted Jap radio transmissions from Truk and Nauru Is. Detected status of Truk is same as reported last turn. Detected status at Nauru Is shows unidentified Japanese aircraft based there, ship(s) in port, airfield size 2(2), port size 2(0). No visible Japanese forces or activity observed at either Truk or Nauru Is. Reported arrivals of several Jap LCU in other 7/19 Sigint entries (42 Air Defence AA Rgt, 16 Field AF Construction Bn) are likely connected with Jap radio transmissions reported from Truk.

Pillager is transferring flak LCU into the Pacific theatres, mainly from the Kwantung Army (Manchuria). A 7/19 Sigint entry reports 42 Air Defense AA Rgt now located at Truk – previous reported location of this unit was Port Arthur. This LCU is the third recent flak unit transfer reported from Manchuria to Truk.

Detected status of Jap base in Magwe from aerial recon – 113 aircraft (all fighters), 14 Jap LCU’s, oil production 125(176), refinery 97(4). Aerial recon reports over Magwe for the last several days appear to accurately confirm the Allied night bombing raid on 7/17 probably inflicted no damage on oil production in Magwe.

With the coming arrival of CV Yorktown II (Lexington II, etc), I noticed AE provided the option for Allied players to rename these carriers before their entry in the game. This is a nice little option for players with the luxury of not having lost the original Yorktown, Lexington, etc when the new one appears in the game. My thought was taking the traditional USN naming convention for carriers (battles) and using a few names that might have been considered but never used.

With that… CV Yorktown II is entering the game this turn as CV Manassas. Actually there is no shortage of US Civil War actions that never found their way onto a US carrier. Plus there’s San Juan Hill for you Rough Rider fans.

Central Pacific: Damaged Japanese xAK intercepted by US sub patrol near Truk. Jap xAK Nansin Maru had been torpedoed SE of Saipan on 7/19 by another US sub. The xAK appears to have moderate damage but it has to be noted Pillager had turned this ship back to Truk for unknown reasons – Nansin Maru’s transport TF had been attacked twice by US subs (on 7/18 & 7/19) while moving northward from Truk. AAR follows.

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Submarine attack near Truk at 113,104 (N of Truk)

Sigint entry for 7/20 reports intercepted Jap radio transmissions from Canton Is. Detected status of Canton Is shows unidentified Japanese aircraft based there, no other visible Japanese forces or activity.

South Pacific: Sigint entry for 7/20 reports intercepted Jap radio transmissions from Ndeni. Detected status of Ndeni shows unidentified Japanese aircraft based there plus one or more Jap LCU. No other visible Japanese forces or activity observed. Three Jap LCU are known to be (or have been) at Ndeni from current intelligence data – these include 15 Naval Gd, 5 JAAF AF Co and 12 Naval Construction Bn.

South Pacific: Sigint entries for 7/21 report intercepted Jap radio transmissions from both Lunga and Tulagi. Detected status of the bases show unidentified Japanese aircraft based at both Lunga and Tulagi, plus ship(s) in port at Lunga. A total of 11 identified Japanese LCU are known to be located at Lunga and Tulagi (7 LCU at Lunga, 4 at Tulagi).

US patrol subs are operating in sea areas near and in the approaches to the Japanese base complex at Lunga/Tulagi – objective to monitor, intercept and attack Japanese transport shipping and naval movement entering or leaving Lunga/Tulagi from points to the north. Several contacts reported in this sea area between US subs and Japanese air and surface ASW – reported contacts with Jap air patrols a likely indicator Pillager has both Betty and Nell bombers operating from Lunga/Tulagi. AAR and situation map of the Eastern Solomons area follow.

South Pacific: Transport convoy WP-66 (27 transports, 4 DE, 4 LST, 3 LCI) arrives in Auckland from the mainland US. Cargo arriving aboard the convoy includes one LCU (C Det USN Port Svc), one USMC VMF squadron, 150K supply and 19K fuel. DE, LST and LCI with WP-66 are being detached from the convoy and placed on reserve in the South Pacific theatre area for use in future operations.

Japanese Home Islands: A 7/23 Sigint report entry indicates Pillager has formed the divisional LCU for Jap 42nd Infantry Division from the division’s sub-units. The Sigint entry also indicated 42 Division’s current location is at Chiba (near Tokyo).

Sigint entry for 7/23 reports a second day of intercepted Jap radio transmissions from Ocean Is. Detected status of Ocean Is shows no visible Japanese forces or activity, port size 2(0), airfield size 0(0). Current intelligence data has one identified Jap LCU at Ocean Is – 51 Naval Gd.

China: Remnants of Chinese LCU in southern China are reporting movements of unidentified Japanese LCU along the Tsuyung-Paoshan road, presumably units of the China Army now transferring southward into Burma – this development not at all unexpected. Three Jap LCU were detected in two hexes adjacent to the Chinese units.

Central Pacific: US patrol sub returning to Pearl Harbor in contact with Jap surface ASW. This contact is in the same general area as the action reported last game turn near Wake Is (also involving a contact between a US sub and a lone Jap PB). The possibility appears this could be part of a pattern. The hex location of this game turn’s contact is well east from the likely route of Japanese ship movements between Wake and the Marshall islands, also a short distance outside what could be considered the main perimeter line of Japanese controlled territory. My current estimate is that Pillager may be employing Jap PB’s and/or other types in one ship TF’s as picket ships or in patrol zones just outside the main Japanese controlled sea areas as some form of an early warning system (if true, at least for this sector of the Central Pacific). AAR follows.

Sigint entries for 7/24 report intercepted Jap radio transmissions from Canton Is and Maleolap. Detected status of Canton Is shows unidentified Jap planes based there, otherwise no visible Japanese forces or activity at either Canton Is or Maleolap.

South Pacific: Convoy WP-60 arrived this game turn in New Zealand with what might prove a useful if not valuable addition to naval forces in the South/SW Pacific area – a 55,000 ton capacity floating dry dock (AFDB). Capacity of the dry dock appears to be sufficient for handling repair of most if not all current US fleet CV’s (the main intended client for this facility if needed) – if so, presence of this AFDB in the South/SW Pacific area could well be the difference between salvage and sinking of a damaged US carrier.

WP-60 arrived in New Zealand consisting of only the AFDB, a small CL/DD escort and an AO with 7400 fuel aboard. The AFDB entered the game at Seattle on 5/10/43 and immediately departed for New Zealand. The voyage of WP-60 from Seattle to New Zealand via Los Angeles was a painfully slow 2 1/2 months at its best 5 kts speed (3 hexes movement/game turn).

Current plans are to employ the AFDB as the core element of a Support TF specifically intended for handling ship repair on medium to larger ships, particularly ships too large for capacities of shipyards in New Zealand and Australia. At least one AR will be combined with the dry dock in this support TF (several AR if any value in doing this), plus other auxiliary ship type(s) that might have value in this type of support TF. The support TF (once formed) will likely be “parked” at a larger port with access to naval support elements ashore and ample supply point stocks. With arrival of the AFDB, all the required ships and elements to form this operation are now available in either the South or SW Pacific theatre.

Sigint entry for 7/24 reports intercepted radio signals from a detected Jap submarine visible on the game map at hex location 113,132 (NE of Munda). No information available on the sub’s identity or movement. While viewing last game turn’s combat phase replay, an unidentified Jap sub was briefly visible on the game map as it passed through a hex near Lunga/Tulagi that also contained a US patrol sub. It’s quite possible this Jap sub and the one reported above in Sigint are one and the same – if so, the Jap sub is likely bound for either Rabaul or Truk.

Andaman Sea: Dutch sub K-XVIII targeted in four attacks by Jap air patrols (2 Ki-30 Ann, 2 Ki-49 Helen) south of Phuket while attempting to return to base after damage from Jap air attack on 7/24. K-XVIII was hit twice during this game turn’s air attacks and later sank.

Since the arrival of Japanese flak LCU in Burma, overall effectiveness of Allied night bombing raids has dropped considerably – the presence of flak requiring normal altitude of night bombing raids to increase from 5000 to 8000 ft. The decline in bombing efficiency is true across all Allied bomber types (both 2E and 4E) and for all targets. Weather conditions are also a likely factor in the low effectiveness of most Allied night bombing – though how much of a factor is not certain. Plans are to continue night bombing raids against targets in Burma despite the decrease in target damage results – these raids still have value in (1) increasing Allied bomber pilot experience levels and (2) requiring Pillager to commit Japanese fighters to combat these raids with a modest consumption of Jap supply stocks on hand plus replacement planes drawn to cover Jap air losses. Attrition effects of these raids on the Japanese are small but Japanese attrition at any level is good, especially given the minimal to no Allied cost of these raids. There is little question effectiveness of Allied bombing in Burma could be increased by changing bombing ops from night to day but day operations are not practical given the numbers of Ki-44 Tojo and Ki-45 Nick CAP fighters Pillager has available in Burma along with the fact there are no available Allied fighters in India with sufficient range to escort day bombing raids or conduct fighter sweeps over target bases. Pillager has at least 200 Japanese fighter aircraft (total) based in Burma according to available intelligence – most of these Ki-44 or Ki-45 with a small number of A6M2 Zeroes.

Central Pacific: US patrol sub attacked by Jap surface ASW in northern Marshalls. This is the third action in 3 consecutive days between US subs and Jap surface ASW in the sea area surrounding Eniwetok. AAR follows.

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------- ASW attack near Eniwetok at 128,112 (SE of Eniewetok)

South Pacific: Both sections of transport convoy WP-70 arrive this game turn in the South Pacific from the mainland US. The main body of WP-70 (22 ships) arrived in Auckland – cargo aboard the main body includes 90K supply and 67K fuel, no LCU or air units. A detachment of WP-70 (convoy WP-70A, 10 transports) reached Suva – cargo aboard this part of the convoy includes 65 Coast AA Rgt, two US Marine fighter squadrons, 24K supply and 23K fuel.

An unidentified Jap submarine is visible on the game map NE of Waipapakuri (northern tip of New Zealand) at hex location 118, 175. This sub did not appear in 7/25 Sigint or Operations reports, though the Jap sub’s location is within Allied naval air search zones extending north from New Zealand. No information available as to the Jap sub’s identity or movement. No Allied transport shipping or naval forces currently at or near the Jap sub’s reported position.

Lead Story--Singapore surrenders. Singapore lasted until Feb 27, not long enough, but that's that.

China--no real change. Chinese troops training and digging in even deeper. AI is concentrating on PI and DEI.

Burma--totally abandoned, but enemy not advancing into Burma yet.

India--still building up. All Burmese elements are on the border with two divisions in Imphal and one at Chittagong (18th UK Div). Reinforcements are being hustled in from Aden and Capetown (CT). 100 fuel at Colombo, 150K supply. 6th Aussie there too. 7th going to Calcutta via Kirachi.

Aussie--building up, another 100K fuel to Sydney. PM under attack, but holding.

PNG--the ant farm is moving along the Papua end, all bases including PM under attack. The Central NG bases are unaffected at this time. The enemy is securing New Bismark and the Solomons, and the islands off Papua.

Vanutu--US Carriers are defending the islands, intercepting reinforcements to Noumea and sinking the force. Allied troop level in Noumea now at 136 AV due to infusion of Marines (1st Raiders and 2nd Para USMC). 23rd Inf Div is afloat enroute just south of Pago Pago (PP). Once at Noumea, the Raiders will go to Espiritu Santo and the Paras to Efate. The local detachment will head to the north end of the island. The 23rd will deal with the enemy engineers at Noumea. Base is enlarging, one USMC fighter squadron and one Vindy DB squadron is stationed there. So is one large Patrol of Cats with AV support. UK cruisers are providing the SAG support while carriers operate off Espiritu which intel says is next on the agenda for the enemy. Intel and map and combat reports have all KB carriers occupied in DEI or off Midway. So far so good, 40th is just loading at LA heading to Espiritu. We will see who gets there first with the most.

SOPAC--PP and Suva are building up as support bases. Canton and Baker remain in Allied hands with Yorktown dispatching the occasional enemy sorties into the area. A US Cruiser SAG also patrols the area. My smallest AE is moving to Canton to resupply both action groups from PP. Yorktown did not use TBs this trip, so the AS stayed in PP.

CENPAC--Not much new here. Four times the enemy has raided Midway, the last two times with Hiyru and Soryu. No significant losses incurred. I am not biting at the bait to move my carriers there.

NZ--100 fuel and 200 supply moved to Auckland. Auckland building up as major support base.

Pressing needs. Aussie needs fighters and Engrs to start building defenses in NW to oppose Enemy movements from PM. PM is a lost cause, but we are putting up a real fight. I cannot get supply in there, so I don't think we will hold out much longer. Right now I am trying to get significant numbers of troops into SOPAC to hold key bases. If KB comes, I will run. But while they are occupied elsewhere, I am doing everything I can to reinforce.

Allied reinforcement of India from East Coast is going very slowly. I have sent four fighter groups to help, but they are still a month away from reaching India. Supply issue is not too bad, in fact much better than first time around.

DEI--Enemy is starting to hit Indonesia. All shipping evacuated using fleet oilers to assist the short legged ACMc's. These will be distributed along the Aussie Indian Coast. DEE may hang on two more months, not any longer than that.

PI--Clark is still holding, but the end is near. Bataan is ready, but how long they hold out is anyone's guess. Cebu is putting up a stiff defense, but the rest of the islands are falling like dominoes--or did someone already say that?

So far so good. If the 40th makes it to Espiritu first, then things could get really interesting. If not, they will invest in Suva.

Four times the enemy has raided Midway, the last two times with Hiyru and Soryu. No significant losses incurred. I am not biting at the bait to move my carriers there.

Agreed. Carriers alone can’t capture “real estate”. What comes behind them may be another matter. When the carriers leave, consider showing up to see what appears next.

quote:

Allied reinforcement of India from East Coast is going very slowly.

Typical movement time from Eastern US to Capetown is around 27-28 days, this tends to be true regardless of rated speeds of ships in a TF making this transit. The benefit of this route is that your ships consume no fuel – though the ships do need to be sufficiently fuelled to cover the equivalent hex distance between the Eastern US and Capetown.

Total time for (one way) movement of an EX convoy from the Eastern US to southern Australia is about 2 months (Eastern US to Capetown plus Capetown to Australia). In 1942, getting things to Australia quickly is less important than simply getting them there and getting them moving. With the KB running around in ’42, security and invisibility is more essential than speed. What your opponent doesn’t know won’t hurt you and may well hurt him later.

Another thing to consider with sea transport on this end of the world… there’s an abundance of British and Commonwealth transport ships hanging around Capetown, Aden and India – in considerably greater quantities than needed to move cargoes to India. A majority of Allied transport ships I have working the EX convoy route are British/Commonwealth, with emphasis on large capacity, long range ships.

quote:

Singapore lasted until Feb 27, not long enough, but that's that.

Better than I did in either of my PBEM’s vs Pillager… Although Pillager was likely placing a high priority on taking Singapore – to the point of diverting Japanese LCU intended for the Philippines and DEI into Malaya.

quote:

All shipping evacuated using fleet oilers to assist the short legged ACMc's

AO aren’t required for moving short range ships (PB/PC, SC, minesweepers, etc) over long distances. Attaching short range ships in TF with large, longer range transports (usually large xAK) works quite well. The difference is that short range ships refuel from the fuel cargo of an AO – in the case of an xAK (or other large ship), a short range ship refuels by drawing from fuel the larger ship is carrying for its own movement. Any reduction of a TF’s speed from moving small ships appears to be equal whether an AO is used or they refuel from other large ships. More than a few WP transport convoys have ferried 1500 mile range SC from the US West Coast to Auckland (about 15-20 SC total). The SC are far more useful around Suva than San Francisco. Several "rules of thumb" from my practice follow.

(1) There should be at least one large ship (preferably more) in a TF for each small ship being moved. My ratio in normal practice is around 4-5 larger ships for each small ship in the TF – this is not a “hard and fast” rule, I just use this ratio to create a substantial margin of error.

(2) Large ships in a TF where small ships are being moved should have an endurance (fuel capacity) great enough to cover the distance the TF will be moving plus some left over to refuel the small ship(s). Also important that all ships in this kind of TF be fully fuelled before departure.